Czech Republic

Eastern Europe has experienced more change in the last generation than any other part of Europe. With war-era grandpas now gone, across the former Warsaw Pact zone new museums and memorials deal candidly with the dark side of communism — and fascism before that. And now that the economy is perking up, impressive renovations and infrastructure improvements are springing up across the region.

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Government of Canada Travel Advisory

Last Updated: January 18, 2018 10:26 EST1. RECENT UPDATESThe Health tab was updated - travel health notices (Public Health Agency of Canada).2. ADVISORIESCzech Republic - Take normal security precautionsTake normal security precautions in the Czech Republic.3. SECURITYCrimeViolent crime is low. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common, particularly in Prague. Be vigilant in and around popular tourist attractions, major hotels and the Prague main railway station (Praha hlavní nádraží), especially after dark.Be very cautious when travelling on public transport. Gangs of thieves target subway stations, particularly Malostranská, Můstek, Muzeum and Staromĕstská, as well as tram route 22, which runs to and from Prague Castle. Thieves may use jostling and swarming techniques to rob their victims.Car thefts and break-ins are common, particularly in major cities. Avoid leaving luggage or valuables in the vehicle; use secure parking facilities.Spiked food and drinksNever leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as the items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.FraudIndividuals posing as plainclothes police officers may ask you to see your foreign currency and passports. Politely decline to cooperate, but offer to go to the nearest police station.Never exchange money with vendors on the street, as the risk of receiving counterfeit bills is high. See the Laws and culture tab for additional information on exchanging money.There have been cases of automated banking machines (ABMs) being fitted with fraudulent card readers. To avoid being a victim of this fraud:use ABMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or businessavoid card readers with an irregular aspectcover the keypad with one hand when entering your PINcheck any unauthorized transactions on your account statementsSee Overseas Fraud for more information on scams abroad.TerrorismThere is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities and there is a potential for other violent incidents, which could target areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Continue to exercise normal security precautions.Road safetyRural roads may be uneven, under construction or poorly marked.Dial 00 420 1230 for information on road conditions.Public transportationUse only officially marked taxis, such as AAA Radiotaxi, Cititaxi or Profitaxi (note that taxis marked AAA Taxi charge excessive prices) and whenever possible, call for a taxi instead of hailing one on the street. In Prague, taxis can also be obtained at clearly marked “fair place” taxi stands, which are regulated by the city government. To avoid being overcharged, obtain a price estimate in advance and ensure that the taxi driver is using the meter.Czech railways provide clean, efficient train service to almost every part of the country. Exercise caution on overnight trains as there have been reports of robberies occurring. Store your valuables in a safe place, and do not leave your compartment unattended. Ensure that the door is secured from the inside.Express buses are often faster and more convenient than trains.Air travelWe do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.General information about foreign domestic airlinesGeneral safety measuresExercise normal safety precautions. Do not show signs of affluence, and ensure that personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents are secure at all times.A police station that specializes in assistance to foreign victims of crime is located at 9 Jungmannovo namesti, 110 01 Prague 1, near the Můstek metro station.4. ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTSEvery country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination's entry or exit requirements.We have obtained the information on this page from the Czech authorities. It can, however, change at any time.Verify this information with foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada.Schengen area Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel.General information about the Schengen areaForeign diplomatic missions and consulates in CanadaPassportEntry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.Regular Canadian passportYour passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.Passport for official travelDifferent entry rules may apply.Official travelOther travel documentsDifferent entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination.Useful linksForeign diplomatic missions and consulates in CanadaCanadian passportsHealth InsuranceA valid travel health insurance policy with minimum coverage to cover costs for hospitalization and medical treatment is required to enter the Czech Republic.VisasTourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days*Business visa: RequiredStudent visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days*Work visa: Required* The 90-day period begins upon initial entry into any country of the Schengen area. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country within any 180-day period.Other requirementsIf you are planning to stay in private accommodations for longer than three days, you must register at the local Foreign Police Department (list available in Czech only) within three working days of your arrival. Registration forms and additional information can be found on the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic's website.Customs officials may ask to see proof of pre-arranged accommodations and proof of sufficient funds for your stay.Children and travelLearn about travel with children.Yellow feverLearn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).5. HEALTHMedical services and facilitiesGood medical care is widely available. However, doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.6. LAWS AND CULTUREYou must abide by local laws.Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.Canada and the Czech Republic are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons (Council of Europe). This enables a Canadian imprisoned in the Czech Republic to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Czech authorities.IdentificationYou are required to carry your passport at all times. Keep a photocopy of your passport in case of loss or seizure.Dual citizenshipDual citizenship is legally recognized in the Czech Republic.If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of the Czech Republic, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.General information for travellers with dual citizenshipDrivingYou must be at least 18 years old to drive in the Czech Republic. An International Driving Permit is required.The use of cellular telephones while driving is prohibited, unless they are fitted with a hands-free device.Headlights must be on at all times.All vehicles must have a first-aid kit and a warning triangle, as well as high-visibility vests (to be carried in the passenger compartment, not the trunk) for the driver and any passenger who leaves the vehicle in case of breakdown.A road usage permit is required to travel on all major highways. You may purchase this permit for a period of 10 days, one month or one year, at highway gas stations and border crossings. Failure to display this permit may result in fines. All rental vehicles are provided with valid motorway permits.There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and penalties are strict. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines or jail sentences. Other traffic lawsLocal authorities frequently enforce traffic laws and will fine pedestrians up to 2000 Czech koruna for violations such as jaywalking, particularly in Prague's city centre.Trams have the right of way over pedestrians, including at pedestrian crossings. You may be fined if you cross tram lines within 50 feet of a pedestrian crossing or when crossing the street on a red light.Tickets are required for public transport and anyone caught riding without a valid ticket may be fined. Tickets may be purchased at newspaper kiosks, metro stations and most hotel reception desks.MoneyThe currency of the Czech Republic is the Czech koruna (CZK).Credit cards and traveller's cheques are accepted.Always exchange your currency at an exchange office or bank. The use of non-official currency exchange is illegal.When crossing one of the external border control points of the European Union (EU), you must make a declaration to customs upon entry or exit if you have at least €10,000, or the equivalent in other currencies. The sum can be in cash, cheques, money orders, traveller's cheques or any other convertible assets. This does not apply if you are travelling within the EU or in transit to a non-EU country. For more information on the EU legislation and links to EU countries' sites, visit the the European Commission's cash controls.7. DISASTERS AND CLIMATEHeavy rains are frequent in summer and sometimes resulting in local flooding. Exercise caution, monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.

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